The Cleveland Cavaliers were the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, but, obviously, that wasn’t enough for them to find great postseason success.
They want that to change next year, but they will have tough competition.
Speaking on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands talked about the team’s most intimidating opponents in the season ahead.
“From my list for the Cavs biggest threats coming into the season, I actually have the Knicks number three on my list behind Atlanta and Orlando. And that’s because of the style of play that Atlanta and the style of play that Orlando has rather than what the Knicks pose,” Sands said.
Sands isn’t the only person expecting big things from the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic in 2025-26.
His inclusion of the Knicks isn’t a bit surprising, because they were lethal in the playoffs last season.
In fact, they went even further than the Cavaliers did.
With the adjustments they made in the summer, the Knicks could be even more dangerous next year.
As for the Hawks and Magic, they have been aggressive this summer and are clearly intent on getting a lot better.
But they still need to prove what they are capable of.
They could be a huge threat, but they may fall short of their goals too.
It is interesting that Sands didn’t list the Boston Celtics, who have been one of the most dominant teams in the East for years.
Unfortunately for them, they will be without Jayson Tatum next season.
The bottom line is that the Cavaliers could do a lot in 2025-26, but fellow teams in the East won’t make it easy for them.
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